• The site migration is complete! Hopefully everything transferred properly from the multiple decades old software we were using before. If you notice any issues please let me know, thanks! Also, I'm still working on things like chatbox, etc so hopefully those will be working in the next week or two.

Tools/Materials needed for trans fluid change and filter change

JDrach

JDrach

New member
Hey guys, i think now at 71k miles is about a good time to change my trans filter and fluid. does anyone have some advice on how to go about it and what materials and tools ill need? What fluid should i buy and how much is required? Thanks
 


15 gallons of dex 3 and a shop rag will be good for a filter have fun at it oh and for tools use the jocks from school
 
you need 8 quarts of trans fluid, a new filter, car ramps or jack stands, and a 10 mm socket iirc.

and a large drain pan. and a can of brake cleaner to clean the stock gasket and the pan. re use the stock gasket.
 
Scott has everything right.

10mm socket.
Very large drain pan(big glad ware container works best)
2 gallons or 8 quarts of dex 3 or 6...you may not use all 8 quarts.. You may use around 7-8. All depends on the tranny.
Jack stands or ramps.
Filter.
 


Don't forget to check the filter box before you leave the store for a gasket, sometimes they "forget" to include them.
 
Just use Dex 3. There is no reason to "upgrade", why spend more $?
In the end, the fluid is not what will make or break your transmission when the torque hits.

3/8" drive 14.4V cordless drill and a 10mm shallow/deep gets the job done in minutes.
 


Get a large but shallow plastic container or pan, 10 bucks or so at Kmart, Walmart. You modded? Might want to consider using a shift kit if you've been thinking about it. If not is ok too.

What's the condition of the fluid now? Red still? Brown?

When you unbolt the pan, work towards one corner without fully removing the pan and allow the fluid to drain out to the plastic container some. Try to get the pan off without much moving around so when it's down you can just look around in the pan for anything unusual. The magnet in the corner of the pan will have small fine particles (black) which is normal. You don't want to see metal pieces though. If the gasket is original, the reusable rubber gaskets are better, just clean the old gasket off, don't be afraid, clean it good for the new gasket, do the surface of the tranny where the pan attaches as well.

I don't remember the torque spec for putting the bolts back, but seat the bolts + 1/4 turn should be good. Once all the bolts are tightened, put at least 6 quarts of fluid back... 7 is ok too just go slow and check the dip stick when 6-1/2 quarts are in and slowly add. You must bring tranny up to temp as well to fill accurately with final top off. This means filing close and driving a little, maybe around the block a bit, shifting through gears and such. Then checking and filling until correct.

Just a word on the tranny fluid, it's SLIPPERY stuff, lol, try not to spill it.
:D
 
Do all filters come with a gasket? Wouldn't that be the manufacturers problem if there isn't one? And ill prolly go with Dex three then just so I don't mix and match the fluid. And thanks coolone for that write up, very helpful
 
i used a dura last filter, it came with a gasket, but its best to reuse the stock gasket, if its in good shape. you will notice a big difference between the 2.
 
I just checked the dipstick. The color of it looked like a rust. Not brown and not bright red. In between I'd say. And both of the indicator holes had oil in them. Wasn't thick n covered fully but they had oil in both so idek if I should do trans maintenance.
 
at 71,000 miles your only like 20,000 over due. get to it before you really cant service it. your fluid should be red to pink looking. not brown, or light brown. shades of red only lol

just drop the pan, change the filter, fill it back up. do it again in 50,000 miles. some say every 30, but that seems to over kill in my book.
 


For some reason 75k miles was stuck in my head for trans fluid...alright i will this upcoming break in between semesters in a week. FINALS!!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top